ActiveMe 360 is dedicated to delivering high-quality, inclusive practices in all their sessions, whether it’s school PE, after-school clubs, or holiday programs. We focus on responding to each child’s individual abilities and needs
What is inclusion?
Inclusion means children of all abilities have equal access to and participate
meaningfully in our programs. When children are together as part of the group, their
development is enhanced and positive social attitudes are fostered. In a high quality,
inclusive program our team is responsive to the individual abilities and needs of each
child. Opportunities are provided for all children to learn through play with their peers,
supported by knowledgeable team members.
All children need support to reduce or eliminate barriers so they can learn and fully
engage in experiences with their peers. Adaptations and strategies are specific to
each child. For example, team members can adapt an activity to make it easier for
children to participate successfully.
Genuine inclusion is more than just a child’s presence. It ensures active, meaningful
participation by every child in our program and with one another. How this occurs will
be different for each child, based on individual abilities and needs. All children should
be valued, have friends and feel they belong.
Benefits of inclusion
When all children are meaningfully included, everyone benefits.
Benefits for children:
- better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- acceptance and respect for and from others
- learning with and from one another
- more opportunities for socialization with peers
- preparation for full participation in the community, including the transition to
- School
Benefits for families:
- access to childcare
- ability to go to school and get or keep a job
- better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- learning with and from other families and professionals
Benefits for our team:
- better understanding and appreciation of individual differences
- learning with and from all of the children and adults
- strengthening skills by working with a variety of abilities
How we will ensure inclusion in our practises
The key principles of inclusion are: access, participation and support.
Access
Access describes community inclusion and the inclusive environment.
- We accept and welcome children of all abilities.
- A child’s additional support needs do not hinder a family’s ability to enrol in any program.
- Families with a child with additional support needs have access to the number of hours and days of attendance available to every family.
- The physical environment is set up to consider the unique needs of each child.
- Areas are accessible to all the children.
- We make changes to our sessions to meet the needs of each child.
Participation
Participation refers to meaningful participation and individual early learning and child
care.
- Opportunities are provided for all children to participate in our activities.
- We believe that each child deserves an environment and experiences that promote growth in all areas of their development.
- We use approaches that best meet the needs of each child and their family.
- Each child’s abilities are considered and their needs are met so everyone develops to their fullest potential. This is done with a supportive approach that builds on each child’s strengths.
Support
Support describes family centred practice, collaboration among partners and team
supports.
- We respect and value input from parents and encourage them to engage in our activities and practises.
- We support families by consulting with early intervention professionals.
- We work with parents and professionals who have valuable knowledge and expertise to share with us and each other.
- We are committed to learning more about various disabilities and full inclusion as part of our annual training plan.